Three Squares Best Practices
It is our goal to help all of our Three Squares’ schools have successful experiences. Based on tips
from other schools, we are able to offer these best practices!
1. Getting backpacks returned
a. Candy incentive – If your students struggle to remember to bring back their backpacks,
we recommend giving away small candy for students when they remember to return
the backpacks. This has been implemented by other programs with great success.
2. Different distribution models
a. Delivering food to classrooms – If you are having difficulty getting all of the food out to
your students, try delivering the menus to each classroom with participating students
and have teachers help in making sure students pick up food at the end of the day. For
students that are absent, they can be more easily tracked and food can remain in
classrooms for pick-up on Monday.
b. Lockers – If your school has lockers, Site Coordinators can place the weekend bags
directly into the lockers while class is in session. This allows for anonymity, and can be
helpful for students who forget to pick up food.
3. Distributing leftover food
a. Reach out to other students – If you have any students on a waitlist or know of
students who could benefit from receiving extra food on a temporary basis, you can
give out any leftover menus to these students. Make sure that these students know
this will only be temporary.
b. Give out extra food – Give students on your roster extra food at the end of the month.
We recommend giving extra to students with siblings K-8 who may not be enrolled.
c. Reduce your order – If you consistently have leftover food and are unable to give it
out, we suggest you contact us at [email protected] to reduce the
amount of food you receive each month based on what you can distribute until you
get caught up. Remember, this program is meant to serve up to 24 students a month.
4. Getting volunteer help
a. Reach out to school staff – If your school staff meets regularly, give a presentation on
the Three Squares program and what you need help with. There may be staff who can
help in receiving and storing food, as well as distributing food on Friday, if it’s not
directly to students.
b. Reach out to the PTA/PGA – If your school has an active PTA or PGA, you can similarly
give a short presentation on the program and what your need is. There are likely
parents who already volunteer, or would be interested.
c. Connect with Northwest Harvest to find a volunteer – If you have reached out to staff
and PTA and still can’t find additional help, you can work with a Northwest Harvest
Volunteer Coordinator to get additional support in finding volunteer help.
Please note that any volunteer matches made will be considered a school volunteer
not a Northwest Harvest volunteer. This means the school will be responsible for any
background checks, and the Site Coordinator will need to provide any instruction. If
you are interesting, please contact: Laura Titzer | [email protected].
Contact Information
All Districts
Questions on Three Squares contracts, food safety, and specific school needs.
Laura Titzer, Nutrition Programs Manager
206-923-7423 | [email protected]
Reporting Questions
Seattle, Kent, Highline, Clover Park, and Hoquiam
Rukie Hartman, Hunger Response Coordinator (Western WA)
206-923-7428 | [email protected]
Yakima, Toppenish, Moses Lake, Soap Lake, and Spokane
Connie Spitz, Hunger Response Coordinator (Cent./Eastern WA)
509-891-7278 | [email protected]
Order Updates
Seattle, Kent, Highline, Clover Park, Moses Lake, Soap Lake, and Hoquiam
Rukie Hartman, Hunger Response Coordinator (Western WA)
206-923-7428 | [email protected]
Yakima and Toppenish
Debbie Rhoads, Volunteer Operations Supervisor
509-317-7061 | [email protected]
Spokane
Dennis Vorhies, Spokane Warehouse Supervisor
509-598-7013| [email protected]